Hi, Adam and all,
> And in answer to your question: you should not bother using off-screen text.
> It is arguable that it doesn't meet 1.3.1 and screen reader users are not
> the only people with disabilities who are going to be viewing the page nor
> the only type of assistive technology used.
As many other techniques, off-screen text can comply with 1.3.1 (and any
other SC) if used properly. Indeed, hiding a portion of a link is a very
useful technique that can help blind users to understand the purpose of
a link in situations where the visual design doesn't allow the full text
to be shown.
For example:
<h2>Annual Report 2011</h2>
<p>Last year our incomes where...</p>
<p><a href="report_2011.pdf">
<img src="pdf-ico.png" alt="" />
Download
<span class="hide-off-screen">Annual Report 2011 in PDF format</span>
</a></p>
Regards,
RamÃ³n.